Teaching in Iceland

Options for teaching in Iceland

Teachers looking to teach English in Iceland will find the majority of jobs are at the high school level or higher. English is now taught in most schools across the country from an early age, and it is becoming more common for Icelandic people to speak English in varying degrees. This makes previous teaching experience more of a requirement for expat teachers working in Iceland.

Teach in Iceland

Teaching in Iceland - Hiring

Hiring for English teachers in Iceland can take place year round, with positions at the high school level or higher being the most common for teachers in Iceland.

Qualifications to teach in Iceland

To teach English in Iceland, it is recommended to have a Bachelor’s degree and a relevant ESL teaching qualification. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online Certificate can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to land a job teaching English in Iceland.

With English now being taught in Icelandic schools from an early level, English is becoming more commonly spoken throughout the country. Because of this, teachers with advanced degrees such as a masters, or multiple years of teaching experience are likely to land a job teaching English in Iceland. English teaching jobs for expats in Iceland are most likely to be found at the high school level or higher.

Visas for teachers in Iceland

If you are staying in Iceland for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a residence visa before you leave for Iceland, and only travel once it has been granted. The school you will be working for may assist you in obtaining your visa and any other required work permits.

Living in Iceland

Things for teachers to do in Iceland

Iceland is full of attractions and entertainment for teachers to do and see when not in the classroom. The capital of Reykjavík is a modern city that still keeps its cultural charm. Reykjavík is also known for its world-class nightlife and entertainment scene.

If getting outdoors is more your scene, there’s no shortage of things to do in Iceland! Experience the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal heated outdoor spa, and one of Iceland’s most famous attractions.

Hiking and biking are also extremely popular and can take you across lava fields, glaciers, and sand dunes. Laugavegur is Iceland’s most popular hiking trail and provides hikers with views of hot springs, thermal vents, ice caps and rhyolite mountains! Reykjavík is incredibly bike- friendly, but more adventurous outdoors enthusiasts can venture further outside the city to enjoy unspoiled Icelandic nature.

Iceland at a Glance

Country Information

Capital - Reykjavík

Language - Icelandic, English

Population - 330,000

Currency - Icelandic króna

Government - Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic

Major Religion - Lutheran

Climate - Subarctic

Quick Facts

About 85% of Iceland’s energy is from renewable resources, with over half of that being geothermal energy.

Lots of Icelandic people believe in elves.

Icelandic police do not carry guns since crime in Iceland is rare, with violent crime being almost nonexistent.

The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland between November and December during clear weather.

Due to the country’s subarctic climate, there are no forests and almost no trees in Iceland.